Michael Trifari has spent years in the restaurant industry working for corporations, travelling to different franchises and consulting those in the quick-service industry, but after trying Firehouse Subs and hearing about an opportunity to open a store in Ahwatukee Foothills, he decided to get off the road and take on ownership for himself.

“It was exciting,” he said. “I got to meet a lot of people and go to a lot of different places, but the goal of staying home and running my own business was something I wanted to do.”

His new Firehouse Subs location opened last Monday in the Mountainside Plaza at 40th Street and Chandler Boulevard. The new location was actually requested by the public. Firehouse Subs asked on their Facebook page where the next location should be and Ahwatukee was the No. 1 answer.

Trifari said he’s especially excited about the location because of its proximity to an actual fire station. To celebrate, he purchased a bell, which employees ring every time the doors open and the fire truck leaves the station. The location also has a mural on the wall, which is the view of their store from within the fire station.

Firehouse Subs is known for its sandwiches and salads. The business was originally started by retired firefighters and continuously raises funds to support local first responders.